Inquest into the Death of Robert Fredrick PARNELL

29y · Male·butane and propane toxicity from inhalation of canola oil spray propellants

Robert Parnell, aged 29, died from butane and propane toxicity after inhaling propellants from a can of canola oil spray in a prison kitchen toilet. He had a long history of polysubstance use including solvent sniffing dating to age 13. Working as a kitchen cleaner at Albany Regional Prison, he accessed canola spray cans freely stored in an unsecured storeroom. He inhaled the propellants using a plastic bag, lost consciousness, struck his head on a tap during collapse, and could not be revived despite CPR and resuscitation efforts. The coroner found supervision sub-standard, noting aerosol cans should have been restricted given Robert's known history of substance abuse and the severe cardiac risks of butane inhalation (sudden sniffing death from arrhythmia). The Department had not adequately screened prisoners for kitchen work or controlled access to hazardous aerosols despite knowing the risks.